US: BioControl schools spark grower interest in Pennsylvania

For the past two Novembers, Penn State Extension has held two-day schools targeted at increasing the biocontrol knowledge of growers, crop consultants and Extension educators working in greenhouses and high tunnels. In 2013, The Predators, Beneficials and Biological Control of Greenhouse and High Tunnel Insect and Arthropod Pests school was held and in 2014, The Advanced Topics in BioControls School built on that earlier program.

Day one (November 13, 2014) focused on managing insects and arthropods using predators, parasites and biological pesticides. Day two (November 14,, 2014) was devoted to disease management using plant-based pesticides, beneficial fungi and bacteria. Making the transition to biological control and compatibility with specific commercial pesticides as parts of larger pest management programs were especially hot topics. Speakers came from Penn State Extension, industry and early adopter growers.

CD’s with all of the presentations and supporting publications will be available by early December. The next Biocontrol school is planned for November 5 & 6, 2015 at the Lancaster Farm and Home Center, Lancaster, PA. Industry representatives interested in participating and those seeking a copy of the CD with all of the presentations and some supporting publications are invited to contact Steve Bogash, Horticulture Educator at smb13@psu.edu.

For more information
Penn State Extension
T: 717-240-6500
F: 717-240-6548
E-mail: cumberlandext@psu.edu
extension.psu.edu/cumberland